A total of N39.86 billion was disbursed to 8,408 retirement savings account holders in the first quarter of 2025 as equity contributions for residential mortgages.

Oguche Agudah, chief executive officer of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, announced this on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Agudah noted that in 2024, 1,390 contributors accessed a total of N10.52 billion under the policy.

He said this represented a 279 per cent increase in the value of disbursements and a 505 per cent rise in the number of beneficiaries compared to the previous year.

According to him, the figures recorded in the first quarter of 2025 showed a 32 per cent increase in value and an 18 per cent rise in the number of beneficiaries compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

He further noted that 2,491 beneficiaries accessed ₦18 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Speaking on the factors driving the surge, Mr Agudah said, “Greater awareness of the policy, improved access through pension fund administrators, and rising demand for affordable housing have all played a role.

“More Nigerians are realising that their pensions are not only a retirement safety net but also a powerful tool to unlock home ownership today. The Contributory Pension Scheme is creating real impact, giving people the means to secure homes, build stability, and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.”

(NAN)